What is Acute Myelogenous Leukemia

AML, (acute myelogenous leukemia), is an aggressiveBlood tests identify the possibility of AML. The final
cancer of the bone marrow and blood. It is the mostdiagnosis is usually made after a bone marrow test
common type of leukemia. AML is also known by theand sometimes by a spinal tap, also known as a
following names-acute myeloblastic leukemia, acutelumbar (lower spine) puncture (LP).
myeloid leukemia, acute granulocytic leukemia orThere are several types treatments available, one or
acute nonlymphocytic leukemia. Blood cells aremore will be used to treat a dignosis of AML.
malformed and useless. The cells can accumulate inChemotherapy-strong drugs taken orally or
parts of the body.intravenously that kills the cancer cells. Occasionally
Acute myelogenous leukemia statisticsit?s injected directly into the spine. It is a systemic
* Rare in people under 40 years oldtreatment because it travels throughout the whole
* More common in men than in womenbody.
* Average age is 65 years oldRadiation-high energy rays like X-rays kill the cancer
* 5-year survival ratecells
* under 65 years old-33%Bone marrow transplants-unhealthy cancer producing
* over 65 years old-4%bone marrow is destroyed and replaced with
* 2007 it is predicted there will be 13,000 casesmatching bone marrow.
(majority will be adults)Immunotherapy-stimulates the immune system to
The symptoms of acute myelogenous leukemiadestroy cancer cells or boosts natural defenses. It
include abnormal blood counts, a general run-down,can be a made naturally or artificially.
unwell feeling that never gets better, reoccurringRisk factors for AML
infections, swollen lymph nodes, and bone/ joint pain.* Previous chemotherapy or radiation treatments
Symptoms are acute (comes on suddenly, and* Exposure to radiation and chemicals like benzene
accelerates quickly) instead of chronic (mild* Genetic disorders like Downs Syndrome
symptoms that gradually worsen over years).* Smoking
When the malformed cells collect around parts of the* Blood disorders like myelodysplasia.
body, it can cause skin, lung, central nervous system,People with risk factors should watch more closely
kidney, and even testicle problems. Initially, acutefor symptoms of AML because early treatment
myelogenous leukemia may mimic other conditions.increases survival rate.